Jamie Coulson, '23 BA
Mass Communication & Media Studies
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
United Kingdom
Leaving the U.S. Navy meant leaving behind the only life I had known as an adult. Shortly afterward, I moved across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, where I had to rebuild my life from the ground up. Even though I was thousands of miles away from Arizona, I still wanted to earn a degree from an American university that would challenge me and prepare me for my next chapter.
Arizona State University's online program made that possible.
I completed my entire Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies while living in the UK. Balancing coursework across time zones required discipline, flexibility, and determination. My classmates and professors were beginning their days as mine were ending, but the online learning environment allowed me to stay connected and engaged despite the distance.
As a military veteran, I was already familiar with adapting to change, but earning my degree overseas presented a different kind of challenge. It taught me how to manage my time independently, communicate effectively in a virtual environment, and stay focused on long-term goals without the structure of a traditional classroom.
Today, I'm proud to say that I earned my ASU degree without ever stepping foot on campus. My experience is proof that education has no borders. Whether you're serving your country, starting over in a new place, or pursuing your dreams from the other side of the world, it's possible to succeed with dedication and the right support.
No matter where life took me-from the U.S. Navy to a new home in the United Kingdom-ASU was there every step of the way. I'll always be proud to call myself a Sun Devil.